About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Faro (FAO) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Faro to London. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — the Ria Formosa lagoon on departure and the Surrey countryside on approach to Gatwick. During the cruise over the Iberian Peninsula and Bay of Biscay, the left side also faces east toward the Portuguese interior and eventually the French coast as the aircraft tracks north-northeast.
What can I see during takeoff from Faro in Faro?
During takeoff from Faro (FAO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Faro typically departs on runway 10 (eastward) or 28 (westward). On the common westward departure (runway 28), the left side faces south over the Ria Formosa lagoon system and the Atlantic coast, giving a sweeping view of the barrier islands and tidal channels. On an eastward departure (runway 10), left side still picks up the lagoon as the aircraft banks north. Notable sights include: Ria Formosa barrier islands and tidal lagoon, Faro city and its island causeway, Tavira coastline to the east, Atlantic Ocean stretching south.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's main runway 26L approach comes in from the east, meaning the aircraft tracks westward on final. The left side faces south, giving views over the Surrey and Sussex countryside, Crawley town, and the North Downs ridge. The right side faces north toward Greater London but is often partially obscured by the fuselage angle on approach. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge in Surrey, Crawley town below on final approach, M23 motorway corridor, Ashdown Forest heathland to the southeast.
How long is the flight from Faro to London?
The flight from Faro (FAO) to Gatwick (LGW) takes Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
What does the Faro to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northeast over the Alentejo plains of Portugal, crosses the Tagus estuary near Lisbon (visible to the left), continues over the Spanish Extremadura plateau, crosses the Bay of Biscay near the Franco-Spanish border, passes over Brittany or the western English Channel depending on routing, then crosses southern England over Dorset or Hampshire before descending into Gatwick.